The 55-tonne machine travelled from South Wales to Dereham in order to have the great honour of being the first diesel locomotive of its type to be used in Norfolk.

A GIANT steel “teddy bear” has finished its long trek across the country to make railway history.

The 55-tonne machine travelled from South Wales to Dereham in order to have the great honour of being the first diesel locomotive of its type to be used in Norfolk.

Built at Swindon in 1964 the D9521, which is affectionately known as Teddy Bear after one of its designers Edward Bear, was rescued and restored by a syndicate of enthusiasts, and usually stays at her home in South Wales.

And after a two-day journey last Wednesday it graced the tracks of the Mid-Norfolk Railway, to ferry passengers around the county.

Peter Brennan, one of the syndicate members who lives near King's Lynn, said: “I'm the only one who lives in Norfolk and wanted to bring teddy bear here for a holiday.

“So when I joined Mid-Norfolk Railway I asked them what they thought and they were very keen.

“There should be quite a lot of attention from people involved in railways. This is the last class of locomotive built for old British railways at the Swindon works. She's so well built, everything is solid, she's beautiful.

“It's the first time a diesel Class 14 locomotive will be used in Norfolk. It's very exciting and a unique occurrence. We're making history.”

Teddy Bear will be staying at Dereham station for the next couple of months to take part in a series of events.

She pulled carriages over the bank holiday weekend, and on Monday children were invited to bring along their teddies to take on the train. A variety of games, such as spot the teddy, were also available.